US trip -Orlando, Colorado and Utah- Part 4

On the 2nd day at Arches National Park, my thighs are aching from the fiery furnace hike and I had a hard time trying to walk down a flight of stairs. Nevertheless, I still have one more trail to complete and that's the delicate arch trail. Its a uphill 4.8km trail and took me about 2 hrs to get to the delicate arch. The thought of seeing the delicate arch kept me going despite my flu and aching muscles.

 Start of the trail to see the famous delicate arch

The initial start of the trail was still quite ok, no uphill climb yet.

 Start of the up rock climb...

Looking back where we started, the entrance is beyond the green patch of trees on the right...cant even see it anymore.

Taking a break on the way.

Finally, we get to see it! It looked strangely alone yet so majestic looking.

 Me standing below the giant arch!

Standing together with Hubby

Seeing the delicate arch in person was truly amazing as it looked just like what I have seen in the picture. I'm just struck by how alone it stood all by itself. Strangely, its not fenced up as I thought it will be coz its fragil and supposed to be the state symbol of Utah, yet anyone can just walk up to it, touch it or climb it.

The next day, we embarked on a 8hrs drive back to Denver. Since I was feeling a bit better, I helped Hubby with the first 1.5hr, stopping at Grand Junction for a bit of makan and shopping before passing the baton back to him.

2nd pit stop at a town called Aspen, a ski resort town for a coffee break.

 Goto have my green tea frappuccino, even though its freezing outside. Hubby having a white chocolate latte.

 First time I saw a real chimney inside starbucks.

The rest of the journey to Denver was through some snowy mountainous region.

Temperature dropped close to freezing as we drove higher up into the mountains. The pressure in my ears was killing me as we drove up and down mountains. Was night fall by the time we finally reached the hotel, Townhall suites by Marriot.

 Comes with a kitchen

Definitely one of the nicest hotel I had stayed during this trip.

 Dinner that night was at Pho 95. It was so crowded, that we need to queue all the way outside the door. But it was definitely worth it as the pho was SO delicious! Reminded me of the pho I ate when I was in D.C. It was so good that we went back again the next night and I ordered a even bigger bowl. It feels good to eat something hot when the temp outside was so cold.

Hubby ate chicken pho.

Next day, we went to this United Stated Mint tour which we signed up online months ago. Its a free tour that last about 1 hr. Hubby was very happy as he collects US coins. Sadly, no photography was allowed during the tour.

 Lunch at Smashburger. I had to try this and compare it with In and Out and Five Guys.

 Hubby ordered a spicy burger with onion rings.

 I ordered a mushroom swiss with the signature smash fries that is tossed in rosemary and olive oil. It taste v nice! The beef is juicy and soft.The service is excellent even though its fast food, as the staff will come and ask you how's the food when we are eating halfway and we dun even need to clear our trays. Overall, I like Smashburger very much and its definitely ranked top of In and Out and Five Guys.

 Saw this interesting scene while walking around, looks funny to me.

I guess the bear must have a chocolate overdose and collapsed outside the shop.

Din really get to see much of Denver as the weather was too cold for me.Mostly, I just rested in the hotel as my cough got worsened. I was glad to be back in Orlando for some warmer weather.